William Boss Foundation
The William Boss Foundation is a private foundation based in St. Paul, Minnesota. It makes grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations furthering or engaged in the performing and fine arts.
Key facts about William Boss Foundation
In short: William Boss Foundation gave $509K across 68 grants in 2025 (avg $7K), mostly in Minnesota. 13% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990 filing.
- EIN
- 41-6038452
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990 filing, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $509,000
- Grants made (2025)
- 68
- Average grant
- $7,485
- Median grant
- $6,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 13% first-time grantees (9 of 68, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (99% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Contact Dan McKeown. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- Proposals may be submitted at any time.
Data from IRS Form 990 filing, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 filing · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$509K
+15.4% YoY
Grant Count
68
+9.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$7K
+5.2% YoY
Is William Boss Foundation open to new grantees?
13%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 9 of 68 grantees (13%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $5K; repeat grants $8K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $8K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated grantmaking scope is performing and fine arts. Its 2025 grants included general operating support for arts organizations such as COMPAS, Minnesota Opera Company, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Society.
Grantees describe a range of activities in their own missions. COMPAS says it delivers creative experiences that unleash potential; the Ordway says it creates shared experiences for audiences and artists through live performance; and Lakeshore Players says it provides community enrichment and education through the performing arts. Other supported organizations include One Voice Mixed Chorus, which describes its work as building community and creating social change through song, and Textile Center of Minnesota, which says it promotes textile traditions, innovation, appreciation, and participation in fiber art.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation made 68 grants totaling $509,000. Grants ranged from $2,000 to $18,000, with a median of $6,000. The largest grants included COMPAS Inc. ($18,000), Minnesota Opera Company ($18,000), Neighborhood House ($15,000), Park Square Theatre Company ($15,000), Ordway Center for the Performing Arts ($12,500), and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Society ($12,500). Each of these grants was for general operating support.
Review Cycle
** Proposals may be submitted at any time.
Ready to take the next step with William Boss Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In filing year 2025, 99% of grant dollars went to recipients in Minnesota and 1% to recipients in Pennsylvania. The listed leading recipients were based in Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 68 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
307 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| COMPAS INC St Paul, MN | GENERAL OPERATING FUND | $18,000 |
| MINNESOTA OPERA COMPANY Minneapolis, MN | GENERAL OPERATING FUND | $18,000 |
| NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE St Paul, MN | GENERAL OPERATING FUND | $15,000 |
| PARK SQUARE THEATRE COMPANY St Paul, MN | GENERAL OPERATING FUND | $15,000 |
| ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS St Paul, MN | GENERAL OPERATING FUND | $12,500 |
| SAINT PAUL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SOCIETY St Paul, MN | GENERAL OPERATING FUND | $12,500 |
| FAMILY MEANS Stillwater, MN | GENERAL OPERATING FUND | $12,000 |
| CHILDREN'S THEATRE COMPANY Minneapolis, MN | GENERAL OPERATING FUND | $10,000 |
| GUTHRIE THEATRE FOUNDATION Minneapolis, MN | GENERAL OPERATING FUND | $10,000 |
| KEYSTONE COMMUNITY SERVICES St Paul, MN | GENERAL OPERATING FUND | $10,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grants awarded | Number of grants |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $509,000 | 68 |
| 2024 | $441,000 | 62 |
| 2023 | $424,000 | 59 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Heidi McKeown as chair, Dan McKeown as president, Desmond McKeown as treasurer, and Isabella O’Branski as secretary.
William Boss Foundation is led by Dan McKeown, President on every filing since 2021; none of the 4 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Dan McKeown
President
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Heidi McKeown
Chair
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Desmond McKeown
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Isabella O'Branski
Secretary
On filings since 2024
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Isabella McKeown (2021–2023) — Secretary
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Application contact: Dan Mckeown
Mailing address: 5858 Centerville Road, St Paul, MN 55127
Phone: (651) 653-0599
Frequently asked questions about William Boss Foundation
How much does William Boss Foundation give each year?
William Boss Foundation gave $509K across 68 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990 filing. In 2024 it gave $441K across 62 grants.
What is William Boss Foundation's typical grant size?
William Boss Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $6,000, and its average grant was $7,485, across 68 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990 filing. Organizations receiving their first grant from William Boss Foundation that year got $5K on average.
Where does William Boss Foundation give grants?
William Boss Foundation gives mostly in Minnesota: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 filing went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were St Paul, MN (36 grants), Minneapolis, MN (22 grants) and Stillwater, MN (2 grants).
Does William Boss Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of William Boss Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (68 of 68) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990 filing.
Who are William Boss Foundation's largest grantees?
William Boss Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Compas Inc ($18,000), Minnesota Opera Company ($18,000) and Neighborhood House ($15,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990 filing. Together they received 10% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
What does William Boss Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated grantmaking scope is performing and fine arts. Its 2025 grants included general operating support for arts organizations such as COMPAS, Minnesota Opera Company, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Society. Grantees describe a range of activities in their own missions. COMPAS says it delivers creative experiences that unleash potential; the Ordway says it creates shared experiences for audiences and artists through live performance; an…
How do I apply for a grant from William Boss Foundation?
Contact Dan McKeown. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is William Boss Foundation's EIN?
William Boss Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-6038452. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching William Boss Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in William Boss Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
St Paul, MN
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation funds community-led work in areas including economic development, health and human services, youth and education, arts and culture, democracy, and nonprofit capacity, serving the East Metro and communities statewide. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,000, while the Management Improvement Fund offers up to $15,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through open application programs, though some opportunities are invite-only.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,473
Total Given
$107.2M
The Minneapolis Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis Foundation supports civic, social, and economic needs, including economic mobility, education equity, community safety, health, and the environment. In 2025, its grants had a median of $25,000, though awards varied widely; 77% of grant dollars went to Minnesota recipients. It does not state a general policy on unsolicited requests; current opportunities are closed, and some programs are invitation-based.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,565
Total Given
$121.7M
Xcel Energy Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Xcel Energy Foundation funds STEM career pathways, environmental sustainability, and community vitality programs in Xcel Energy’s service area across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5 to $619,552, with a median of $512. It does not accept unsolicited requests; applications are by invitation only.
Assets
—
Grants
1,820
Total Given
$7.7M
FR Bigelow Foundation
St Paul, MN
The F. R. Bigelow Foundation funds arts and culture, community and economic development, education and youth development, health, housing, and human services, with emphasis on equitable community-led work in the East Metro, especially Saint Paul and Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties. Community Solutions grants are typically up to $50,000 per year for one to two years, while capital grants may reach $250,000 over two years. It accepts applications to the Community Solutions program on a rolling basis; its Systems Change program is invite-only.
Assets
$180.8M
Grants
218
Total Given
$7.9M
The McKnight Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The McKnight Foundation funds nonprofit organizations, research, and community initiatives in arts and culture, food systems, climate and energy, neuroscience, and equitable communities, primarily in Minnesota and the Midwest, with some work in Africa and South America and beyond. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,150 to $10 million, with a median of $100,000; prospective applicants are asked to contact program staff first, who provide proposal instructions if they determine funding may be considered.
Assets
—
Grants
790
Total Given
$145.9M
Fred C and Katherine B Andersen Foundation
Bayport, MN
The Fred C and Katherine B Andersen Foundation funds nonprofits working in health, housing, education, human services, basic needs, employment, civic initiatives, and environmental education, primarily in Minnesota and Wisconsin’s St. Croix Valley. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $7.71 million, with a median award of $75,000. It accepts online applications.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
290
Total Given
$72.5M
Target Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
Target Foundation funds work advancing economic opportunity, equity, inclusion, and community empowerment in Minnesota and nationally and globally. Its 2024 grants ranged from $25,000 to $1.5 million, with a median of $125,000; a hometown racial equity program is open, while national grants are by invitation only. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
—
Grants
138
Total Given
$27.3M
The Richard M Schulze Family Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation funds education, health care, and human services, including college scholarships, with most support benefiting working- and middle-class families in specified Minnesota and Florida counties; it also makes some national grants. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though awards ranged from $50 to $10 million. It plans to move to invitation-only grantmaking in 2027; whether it currently accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
—
Grants
1,431
Total Given
$47.9M
Wells Fargo Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Wells Fargo Foundation funds nonprofits working on financial opportunity, affordable housing, and small-business growth, with giving at national and local levels. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,000 to $8 million, with a median of $35,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; eligible organizations are invited to apply.
Assets
$8.6M
Grants
1,376
Total Given
$157.4M
Land O'Lakes Foundation
St Paul, MN
Land O’Lakes Foundation supports hunger relief, education, and community vitality, including projects connected to its farmer-members and cooperatives. Its 2025 grants had a median of $1,250, with awards ranging from $29 to $365,102, and reached communities across many states, especially Iowa, South Carolina, Minnesota, Nebraska, and California. The filing says giving is not restricted to preselected organizations and directs applicants to its grant and donation guidelines; it does not explicitly state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$2.3M
Grants
1,035
Total Given
$3.4M
C K Blandin Foundation
Grand Rapids, MN
The C K Blandin Foundation funds community wealth-building, rural placemaking and small-community efforts, including work on housing, civic engagement, community spaces and food systems. It primarily supports rural Minnesota, especially Itasca County and nearby communities, and its 2024 median grant was $2,900, though awards ranged from $50 to $335,000.
Assets
—
Grants
931
Total Given
$15.8M
Neighborhood Development Center Inc
Saint Paul, MN
Neighborhood Development Center supports entrepreneurs and neighborhood revitalization through business financing, training, services, and affordable commercial space, primarily in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, with grants going to Minnesota recipients. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,100 to $207,211, with a median of $13,500. It does not state a general policy on unsolicited requests; a specific small-business grant RFP described was a past cycle.
Assets
$55.3M
Grants
571
Total Given
$10.2M
More Funders in Minnesota
William Boss Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?